In Episode 24, Phil Brown, Experiential Education Trainer at High 5 Adventure Learning Center and Host of the Vertical Playpen Podcast, talks with Phil about the value of community, healthy and unhealthy forms of leadership, how leadership is like gardening, the concept of “Connect, Empower, Lead,” the power of play, and how he has used lessons from soccer in his outdoor adventure leadership training. Specifically, Phil discusses:

• His story and how he developed his passion for soccer and leadership (1:42)
• How he uses the lessons he has learned from soccer in his leadership training work with High 5 (10:33)
• The value of community and homegrown talent (18:40)
• The contrasting styles of a “celebrity leader” and a servant leader, why the distinction is important, and how leadership is like gardening (23:27)
• Transactional vs. Relational Leadership (28:19)
• The philosophy of “Connect, Empower, Lead” (32:19)
• The power of play and the teamwork neurochemicals (37:00)
• Homefield disadvantage during COVID (39:32)
• Retention of talent (43:25)
• How he has used the lessons learned from soccer in his marriage, family, and other areas of life (47:17)
• Phil’s recommendations (52:41)

Resources and Links from this Episode

• High 5 Adventure Center’s Website
• Vertical Playpen Podcast
• Vertical Playpen Podcast on Instagram - @verticalplaypen
• Uncut Video of the Episode
• HSEL Facebook Group
• Phil and HSEL on Clubhouse -- @phildarke
• Inside Out Coaching: How Sports Can Transform Lives, by Joe Ehrmann
• Take Us Home: Leeds United (Amazon Prime)
• Legacy: What the All Blacks Can Teach Us About the Business of Life, by James Kerr
• The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact, by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
• The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters, by Priya Parker
• The Social Dilemma (Netflix)